(14) Freedom of Information Act must be strengthened, says Tom Watson

Link: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/29/freedom-of-information-act-tom-watson-foi

Summary:

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has said his party will push for a stronger Freedom of Information Act and voiced concerns about the government commission reviewing the legislation.Writing to the Society of Editors, which is running a campaign against what it says is an attempt to water down the public’s access to information, Watson said the party is setting up a group to make recommendations about how the act could be improved to lead to greater transparency.

Key data/statistical information:

• The government commission examining FoI is looking at the balance between transparency and the government’s desire to keep information private.

• Its official remit says it will consider the act’s impact on the government’s ability to provide “robust protection” to documents and create “safe spaces” for decision making.

• Proposed changes include new charges for requests, changes to make it easier to refuse requests on cost grounds and plans to strengthen ministers’ powers to veto disclosures.

What's my view?

I think it is important that the freedom of Information act should be strengthened as it can indeed lead to greater transparency.